It's finally happened - best shave ever.

[BrianP]

Yep... last night it happened, my best shave ever. Period. End of sentence. Better than any Slant/Feather shave I've had in the past. Closer and less irritation. Best part was that it was with a 5/8" Wapienica that I honed myself.

A few weeks back I screwed up my Lynn honed Bismarck and was without a honing benchmark. I was getting nowhere with the Norton 4K/8K. So I abandoned that and went straight to the coticule with the Wapienica (I didn't want to do further honing injustices). In a few minutes it was starting to pop hairs off my arm. I kept at it and kept getting better and better results. Stropped and shaved and it was brilliant. Even ATG. Since this, I'm working the Bismarck on the coticule and it's coming along, albeit more slowly than the Wapienica. There's hope for me yet.

Sorry about the long post but my wife, although VERY pleased with the results, is sick of hearing about it.

[heavydutysg135]

Congratulations! I remember the first time I got a BBS shave with a razor that I honed by myself. Just like with women, you will always remember your first. Lynn said that shaving with a razor that you honed yourself is like catching your own fish, cooking it, and eating it and I definately have to agree with him. Keep it up and your shaves will only get better and more consistent from here.

[JoshEarl]

The coticule is slower than the Norton, but I think it's great for coaxing a razor sharper, especially when you're learning to hone. Glad you found something that works for you.

Josh